Overview & Reviews

It's no exaggeration to say that the BMW 5 Series sets the standard for premium sport sedans. Introduced for the 1972 model year, the midsize 5 Series has long offered a near-perfect blend of performance, luxury and interior room. It's also highly regarded for its refined styling and innovative technology features.

Most BMW 5 Series models you'll come across will be rear-wheel-drive sedans, though you'll stumble upon the occasional 5 Series wagon on the used car market. In addition, all-wheel drive has been optional for some time, and many used sedans in colder climes will be so equipped. Traditionally, the 5 Series has featured an inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, but BMW has also offered V8 engines, turbocharged four-cylinders and even diesel-powered options. When people ask us to recommend luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series is invariably high on the list, new or used.

User Reviews:

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  Fifth 5 series, but the last two horrible - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Lone Ranger - July 21 - 11:57 am

  I took delivery in June, 2007, but because of an issue with "High Battery Drain When Car Stopped" that they could not fix, they replaced my car in June, 2008, with another identical one. This one has the same problems, and is still at the service department. They cannot figure out the problem. Worst two vehicles I have ever had.

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  Last car Ill own - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By mtaylo3 - July 19 - 2:55 pm

  The cars power and performance sold me within two miles of leaving the dealership for a test drive. Ive had to replace a couple of parts but Ive been able to do it myself. This was due to previous owners neglect though. Easy to work on (as long as its not an electric problem) but some parts are a bit pricey. There are few stock cars that can outperform the 540i on the road. Its nice to have the power and brakes when u need it.

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  Sheer Driving Pleasure All Right! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Dinan S1 Tuned 545!! - July 18 - 1:18 pm

  We thoroughly enjoy our fully loaded BMW 545 sports sedan. We have driven ALL the competitors, including many bona fide sports cars, but none is better overall than this ride. From the awesome power, razor sharp handling, luxury appointments, everything is very refined and simply world class. And because we also have a Dinan-S1 tuned 545er, the premier BMW tuner in North America, our car is a truly one-of-a- kind special ride. The Dinan suite of high performance upgrades, which includes such goodies as advanced engine management software, high flow air intake systems, free flow exhaust, suspension systems, ultra lightweight wheelsets and huge Brembo brakes, has made our ride TRULY sublime.

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  BMW 525i Response - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sanjay Ganju - July 17 - 7:32 am

  I have a 525i sports trim for the last 4 years. First there is constant problem with the dashboard electronics. Some pixels keep missing. Also there are chronic issues with alternator and additional electronics in the car. It is like dying a death by 1000 cuts. This car stalled on me twice on the highway. Somehow I came out one piece. Each time a repair is conducted results in 500-1000USD tab and if you go to their dealer then God help you. BMW is a sleek and sporty car but sell it as soon as the manufacturer warranty is over.

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  Absolutely Great - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kamdog - July 16 - 5:40 pm

  Gobs of power. At 125 mph on the Autobahn, it was still strong and wanted to run. Power NOW at any speed from 10 mph on up. Smooth riding, quiet, comfort seats are great. I found iDrive very easy and better than a hundred buttons on the dash. I like the traffic information and think the navigation works very well. The headlights work great, corners light up great at night. The brakes are terrific too.

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  Not worth the money - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By flying car - July 15 - 8:58 pm

  The car is too heavy. It is a pain to drive in a "stop and go" traffic situation that we face in DC. Car hesitates to move from full stop. Once it is mobile, it takes off like a rocket and then it is fun to drive. The interior is poorly designed particularly location of controls. Placement of coffee mug holders is terrible. Inside console compartment is lousy. Technologically, no car can match it - just great car. Gas mileage is excellent. Steering is excellent and handling is superb. Ride is excellent and cabin noise is very low. Stereo is excellent. VOB service is good. BMW North America never responds to e-mails.

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  Awesome ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By csfischer20 - July 15 - 9:47 am

  I picked up this Bimmer at a great price and I fell in love with it the second I sat down and started it. They come well equipped and ride awesome. Ive had an Audi before and it was just too much to maintain. The more research I did the better I felt about getting a BMW. Its certified and has all of the records. Just enough pick up on the streets, but not a gas hog. I didnt like the body style of the 2004 so I went with this one. Its everything I hoped it would be.

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  550i Sport Package - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By RRudo - July 9 - 8:20 am

  Purchased this car in April and has 3k miles now. With the sport package you get the look of the M5 without the manumatic transmission. Build quality is what is to be expected from BMW. Outstanding engine response, especially in sport mode, great handling and extremely comfortable. The sport suspension rides harder than any dedicated sports car I have driven, but definitely ups the handling from the base suspension. Great car. BMW has hit another homerun with this car.

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  After its fifth birthday - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dmotzev - July 8 - 4:43 pm

  Just recently, I happened to trade in a six months old Japanese coupe for this 5 year old German saloon. What a difference! This is my first personal BMW and although it has almost 60000 miles on it, it feels tight and responsive. In fact, I test drove an E60 530i before I bought this one, but it just did not feel right. The combination of the M Sport package, the Premium package and the manual transmission creates an extremely convenient, yet amazingly looking everyday driver. Navigation is handy, but costs money to keep up-to-date. If you prefer adrenaline pumped driving, better look for a 540i/M5, but if you do not require extreme performance, you are going to love this car!

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  5 series trumps 3 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By hdrag3 - July 8 - 11:47 am

  We bought an arctic white with tan int. 535i and after only 900 miles we have to say we enjoy this vehicle immensely. The 300hp turbo engine is great although the gas mileage of 12 we get in the city doesnt even come close to the window sticker promise of 17. All other reviews are accurate with the cupholders and weirdness of iDrive. Its not that the iDrive is hard to use, but when coupled with nav, and having to scroll and type, it can get tiresome. But other features, such as a/c controls, and awesome bluetooth -- they just changed the laws here in CA, and its already saved me a few tickets -- its really leaps and bounds above the 04 325ci BMW we traded for this one.